YUSSICO is a leather goods label and consultancy founded by award-winning designer and leather craftsman, Yusuf Osman. A lawyer turned leather advocate; his work he shares his journey of building a more meaningful life by slowing down, reconnecting with craftsmanship and appreciating natural materials.

Yusuf was introduced to the world of traditional British leather craftsmanship during a weekend course in the Cotswolds. Over the past decade, he has been building his knowledge through sustained study and learning all over the world. A winner of the Leathersellers’ Award for three consecutive years, his work has been exhibited in the UK and Asia and is recommended by the Homo Faber Guide. He has been a judge for the Design-A-Bag Competition and for the Heritage Craft Association, has walked the runway at London Fashion Week and has been interviewed for numerous press and podcast features as a leading industry voice.

The UK's foremost authority on fine saddle-stitched leather goods and a Freeman of the Leathersellers’ Company, he has taught leatherworking to hundreds of students from across the globe, including a number of very famous faces. He has worked with international brands including Jo Malone and eBay; has delivered workshops for ACAVA, the NHS and Lewisham Council; is an ambassador for Choose Real Leather and Leather Naturally; has appeared as a key-note speaker at APLF Hong Kong and Bangkok and as a leading industry voice at Lineapelle in Milan alongside the ‘Is It Leather?’ campaign. 

As well as continuing to make pioneering accessories for customers in his studio, Yusuf’s consultancy [link to new Services page] focuses on championing craftsmanship as an alternative to our throwaway culture. Despite the negative assumptions which are often incorrectly associated with leather, Yusuf’s deep understanding of the material has secured him work with big-named brands, interior designers and fashion houses to help them work with this natural material, which sustainably connects regenerative farming, food waste and the circular economy. 

Yusuf believes that many of the problems we experience today as individuals and communities, alongside the erosion of the environment, are as a result of our loss of knowledge around craftsmanship and materials. Reconnecting with craft and leather can help us to navigate the complex issues we face, and in doing so, we can uncover the threads that connect us all.

Commissions, collaboration, consultation, individual tuition and private label work are welcome. 

With a proud legacy of nine years as a dedicated bench saddler in Walsall, I've passionately crafted 4 to 5 exceptional saddles weekly, setting myself apart in a predominantly male-oriented industry. In late 2022, I took a leap forward to establish my own business, specialising in crafting exquisite leather handbags accessories and English Made Saddles.

Beyond my mastery in saddlery, I delved into the film industry, spending six months creating intricate leather props. While some of my film work remains confidential until the movie launches, you can explore a glimpse of my creations.

Notably, my work is displayed at the Tower of London, a testament to my commitment to producing premium UK-made leather goods. Embracing tradition and quality craftsmanship, I am dedicated to continuing the legacy of exceptional British leatherwork and am eager to share my expertise and creations with you. Explore my collection and experience the essence of finely crafted leather goods.

EKP Leatherwork is owned by myself, Emily Porter of Mount Mee, QLD. A near-lifelong fascination with saddlery, and its centuries of skills, tools and traditions, led to the desire to learn and make. I was fortunate enough to learn from a traditional harness maker from the start, and continually strive to learn and grow as a maker.

I combine traditional methods with classic equestrian style, inspired by my muse, The Horse, and I love showcasing the natural characteristics and sustainability of real leather.

Every piece is made entirely by my hands – hand cut, hand stitched and hand finished, right here in the Moreton Bay hinterland. From design to completion, it is all done by myself without shortcuts or machines, resulting in a genuinely handmade, beautiful, and lasting piece made for you.

Specialising in
- bespoke bridle leather belts
- minimalist and classic bags
- custom work
- quality repairs.

If you value quality and tradition, and the knowledge that comes from learning things the right way; if you love leather and all things handmade; if you covet your own bespoke piece - then please reach out, I would love to hear how I might help you.

Gfeller Casemakers, Inc. is a proven leader in the supply of high quality leathergoods for the working professional. From 1946 to the present we have established the mark that others have consistently fallen short of in providing quality leathergoods at fair prices.
This leadership position is one we take extremely seriously. We are keenly aware of our responsibilities and our vulnerabilities in this leadership position. We craft each and every product as though our continued survival depends on that particular item…Because it does.

Steve Derricott had experienced success as an exploration geologist and was looking for a career change in 1985. He felt there was a potential in the Gfeller Casemakers business that had not been developed. His idea was simple and he had the history of cyclic metal prices and exploration demand on his side. He knew that the reason for hard times at Gfeller Casemakers was due primarily to a down cycle in field crew employment. The historical response of mineral exploration activities to fluctuating metal prices suggested that an upswing in demand was to be expected. If he could acquire the business and learn the operations while demand was low, the Company would be poised to grow when demand returned. He believed the key to long term success, for the company, was to diversify before the sure to follow down swing arrived. With help and constant support from his wife Lori, the Derricott team rebuilt Gfeller Casemakers. They were fortunate to attract custom manufacturing work that solidified the business and spread the demand away from seasonal Geoscience to year-round contracts. Customers as diverse as electronics manufacturers and custom knife makers to the Military Academy at West Point New York helped to grow a diversified Gfeller Casemakers. Changing markets have challenged the company and new products have been added to the lineup.

A custom order request for a calfskin notebook cover (2007) would prove very fortuitous. Not unlike the request to build a student geologists field pouch, over sixty years earlier, this notebook cover and its acclaim on the internet launched a demand for new items to new customers. Suddenly Gfeller Casemakers became the focus of blogs and tweets by customers that had recently discovered the profoundly functional notebook covers and personal leather products.

We are a stronger organization today because we have never departed from Roy’s insistence on premium raw materials, no nonsense designs and most importantly we enjoy our work.

Roy Gfeller and his wife Mertie lived near Aurora Colorado in 1946. Roy was scraping by on a small acreage raising a few cows and doing part time saddle building and repair. He was an outgoing individual and made friends easily. Little is known about the ranching operation other than his desire to one day have his own place and raise purebred Short Horn Herford beef cattle. Much more information is available concerning his leather work. His journal contains details of saddle construction and most importantly shows an early disposition for purchasing only the best materials. High quality materials and attention to detail are to be vitally important in developing his future business as a Casemaker. His reputation for using only the best parts of the hide in his products will help to spread his work to every corner of the globe.

– Steve Derricott 

Ridgely Davis is the proprietor and saddler at Light Horse Leatherworks, a custom leather work, saddle and tack repair shop in Glen Rock, Pennsylvania.

Ridgely Davis has been riding horses since his childhood and has always been attracted to the leatherwork of saddlery. Ridgely got diligent in his pursuit of learning the craft by apprenticing under qualified professionals and attending dedicated courses in England. It's a career that is approaching four decades and Ridgely claims that doing the work is still a learning process.

Maryland Saddlery's Butler location serves as a pick up and drop off point for tack repair and restoration specialist Ridgely Davis.

Ridgely studied American History and Museum Studies at Salem College in West Virginia where he attended from 1982 to 1986.

Patrick Burns recognized the need to preserve the craft, skills and knowledge of the ages old art of saddlery and was instrumental in an idea to bolster the trade as it is practiced in modern times.

The Walsall Leather Skills Centre is a community interest company (CIC) operating under a Service Level Agreement signed with the Worshipful Company of Saddlers in October 2023.

We have committed to delivering a range of general and specialist classes and workshops teaching the vocational skills and imparting the knowledge required to develop and maintain a skilled workforce for the UK’s saddlery trade and leathergoods manufacturing – whether factory, small business or craft.

The Centre is a resource for the leatherworking community and organisations who support the preservation and transmission of centuries old leather craft and manufacturing skills.

We are a resource serving the training needs of the saddlery and leather trades and for anyone wishing to acquire or improve their leatherworking skills.

The Centre occupies a spacious, well-resourced premises in the centre of Walsall within a short walk from the Train and Bus stations.

It is equipped with a knife press, sewing and seaming machines, a skiving machine, a Fortuna splitter, compressor, and a range of bench top equipment including staple guns.

We keep a wide selection of tools, materials and leather. We have benches for 8 which is the maximum class size.

We teach courses for the complete beginner to the advanced practitioner and support the delivery of the Leather Craftsperson (Level 2) and Bespoke Saddler (Level 3) apprenticeships.

For those who wish to become a Qualified Saddler the training we offer supports the achievement of the City & Guilds Level 2 & Level 3 Diploma in Saddlery (Bridle, Saddle and Harness).

Walsall Leather Skills Centre
Our courses also support those who wish to develop their craft leatherworking skills – whether for pleasure or as businesses producing niche and luxury leather goods.

Our trainers are experienced saddle, bridle and harness makers, leathercraft workers and leather technologists. Each teaches a subject or programme they have specialised in. The maximum class size is 8.  Most courses will limit numbers to 6 so that the training, which is intensive, can be properly supported by the tutor.

Robert H Steinke, served his apprenticeship with Keith Luxford, saddlers to H.M. The Queen before starting his own business in 1970.  Specialising in made to measure driving harness, he has exhibited at numerous shows including Royal Welsh, British Driving Society Show at Windsor, Equitana at Essen in Germany, Irish Driving Champs at Birr Castle, London Design Centre, Royal Dublin Show where he is now on the judging panel of the National Craft Competition and has given lectures & demonstrated his craft at the Irish Museum of Country Life, Castlebar, Co. Mayo. 

His work is also in the stables of the Royal Mews Buckingham Palace London, King Hussain of Jordan & King Idris of Libya & is the author of 8 books on saddlery & driving harness and contributed to several equestrian magazines. 

Apart from being busy in his workshop, Rob has been busy in his stables over the years. His interests have included showing, from leading rein to cobs and carriage driving and hunting. 

For 10 years Rob ran this own private museum, The Museum of the Master Saddler, beside his stables in Co. Cavan, Ireland before closing it to relocate to Co. Wexford were he now lives and works. He still specialises in made to measure saddlery & harness particularly for in-hand showing.

Rob has now branched out into filming videos at his harness Makers Workshop in Co. Wexford, Ireland and is the harness contributor to The Carriage Commentator digital forum web site.  He has also launched his own channel on YouTube, “Rob Steinke”.

https://rob-harnessmaker.com/

Wendy Winn is a lifetime horsewoman and expert in her field. Wendy has dedicated the last 18 years to Burns and saddle fit. During that time, she never stopped learning. Wendy has fit thousands of horses, collaborated with vets, studied equine anatomy, innovated the saddle, and traveled hundreds of thousands of miles. And somewhat recently, in her pursuit of knowledge, both sharing and gathering it, Wendy has taken to life coaching.

Wendy serves as President of Outside Sales at Burns Saddlery. Our team prides itself on leading the western retail industry with innovative saddle designs and a rich array of western saddle fit. With nearly two decades at the company, the focus is on service excellence and a gratitude-driven approach to sales, ensuring that each client benefits from our deep-rooted expertise and commitment to their satisfaction.

Coaching at Kansas State University, alongside my spouse, has refined leadership skills that complement my professional life, fostering a synergy between mentoring young athletes and steering a dedicated sales team. In both arenas, success is a shared journey, underpinned by unwavering accountability and a passion for the brand we ride for.

We appreciate all you do for horse & rider, Wendy.
Connect with Wendy or another knowledgeable Saddle Rep.
Contact information and upcoming events in pinned posts.

https://burns1876.com/brand/Saddlery

Burns Saddlery, headquartered in Salina, Utah, is the oldest, same family-owned Western retail business in the world. Miles Lamonie Burns, a hard-working cowboy and talented craftsmen, opened the first Burns retail shop at the gateway of Capitol Reef near Torrey, Utah in the spring of 1876. The business was passed down through generations from parent to child. Today, Burns shares the traditions of the West with you by handcrafting beautiful heirloom products for horse and rider.

Hey, we hear you. A poor-fitting saddle and a sore horse don’t lead to winning results. That’s why our number one priority is finding a saddle with the perfect fit for both you and your horse. The development of our precisely angled trees and our signature challenger skirts provide ultimate comfort and movement for your horse. Our saddle-fitting experts are on hand to assist you in finding your perfect fit whenever and wherever you are. Careful attention is given to every detail of a Burns saddle, from the hand-tooled patterns to the intricate stitching to the quality cuts of premium USA leather. This extra care and attention is what makes a Burns saddle remarkable, setting it apart from the rest. And we never shy away from a custom design. We know you’re giving everything you’ve got, and so should your saddle.So, what are you waiting for? It’s about time we got you in a Burns.

Welcome to the Burns family. The best part of the horseman community is how we’re all united by our love of the sport. We may be a little wild, a little quirky, and a little silly, but we all have a place in this tribe.

Whether you meet Burns at an event, a saddle-fitting, or in one of our shops, our team is there to answer your questions, improve your performance, or just catch up on life. At Burns, you’re not just a client, you’re family.

Lauren Broxton is a designer and maker of bespoke, contemporary leather goods, built to stand the test of time. Inspired by the dynamics of the forgotten British post-industrial, she creates robust, resilient pieces crafted entirely from reclaimed saddlery leather, in homage to the heritage of her hometown. Driven by a need for interdependence in design, she forges close working relationships with local craftspeople, resulting in the marriage of traditional craft and modernity whilst ensuring circularity.

Characterised by distinctly bold, sculptural silhouettes, Lauren's romanticised vision of the everyday aims to capture the extraordinary that lies amidst the ordinary. Drawing inspiration from art, politics and sociology, her work explores themes of class, sex and gender, often influenced by castigated groups in society. Innovative approaches to leatherwork strike the balance between the industrial and the artisanal, resulting in unique objects that can never be truly replicated. 

Paul Smith is a factory manager with Albion Saddlemakers, based in Walsall, England, and a global leader in the industry. Paul’s extensive knowledge of the trade takes him around the world in the company’s relentless drive for remarkable quality and superlative performance. He talks to Christian whilst on a business trip to Wellington, Florida.

The Albion Brand Story

Started in 1985 by Paul and Sherry Belton, the Albion England brand was originally born out of a desire to pioneer a truly premium range of equestrian competition saddles, bridles and accessories which exceeded all expectations.

Albion’s (meaning ‘Old England’) guiding principle is simple, to always deliver a supremely superior quality product, blending traditional values and artisan craftsmanship with revolutionary innovation and state of the art technology. At the heart of Albion’s success is the tremendous pride the company takes in producing beautifully handcrafted country lifestyle items, which embrace the best of British design combined with carefully honed skills and processes that have been passed down through the generations.

After realising the potential of applying Albion’s undisputed heritage for exceptional quality to other country pursuits, the natural way forward was to establish a stronger lifestyle positioning for the brand. The roll out of a carefully chosen selection of exquisitely designed lifestyle products to satisfy the aspirations and intrinsic desire for items of distinction as demanded by the discerning Albion customer followed. Currently the range includes luxury candles, timeless handbags and clutch bags, stunning silk scarves and stylish umbrellas – with further exciting additions planned.